Anchor Mills Clark family.

[David Nicoll]

Hi,

   I think I would agree with Forfarian. I did a bit of noodling and the firm seems to have been set up by brothers James and Patrick, sons of a farmer from Renfrewshire. As Forfarian suggests moving around like that seems unlikely, especially as a proposed son of an established business.
   The only suggestion that I can see that might be plausible would be an even earlier link, and I think only DNA would solve that one.
   That being said there were links between deepest Aberdeenshire and Lesmahagow in the 1850’s as attested by my own family.
   There are also Clarks with deep roots in the Ballater area, so you don’t have to go too far to find possible ancestors of Robert.

[osip]

Forfarian.

Alas! Methinks the weeping rocks around,
And the low stream, that murmurs far below;
And trees and caves, with solemn hollow sound,
Breathe out one mournful melancholy ‘No’.

And so says Alexander Wilson (1766-1813) The great Scottish poet you may well know. Alas he agrees with you and answers my question with ‘one mournful melancholy ‘No.’ I thought it fitting as he worked alongside the Clark family in one of their work shops.

Mighty fine detective work Forfarian and of course you know I extend a massive thank you.

[osip]

Hi David. I may well consider you suggestion to dig deeper.

Who would believe how taxing it is discovering ones ancestors? And it isn't even me doing most of the work!

This is a big chunk of Scottish history I can put alongside my big chunk of Welsh history. Add the little Irish history I have discovered so far and sprinkle it all with English. Well it all brings a smile to my face.

Thanks David.